X Factor singers Journey South blazed on to a Teesside stage last night while Simon Cowell got his first taste of a parmo!

Andy and Carl Pemberton were back in their home town to thank the people of Middlesbrough for voting them into the final of the ITV show.

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Performing at Middlesbrough Town Hall, they used just their voices and an acoustic guitar to perform five songs for the crowd of 1,350 fans.

Three parmos were also rushed in for the lads from Joe Rigatoni's and one was given to pop mentor Simon Cowell.

As he took to the stage, Simon told the audience: "I've eaten one of your weird chicken and cheese things.

"Without being rude, you don't have the best football team in the world, but to make up for that, you may have one of the best groups in this country. These guys have only got this far because of your support and we have come up to say thank you."

Andy and Carl then delivered Desperado and That's Entertainment by The Jam.

They also surprised the crowd by singing a song they had written themselves, an upbeat pop tune called Amazing.

Andy told the audience: "We wouldn't be here without the support of you guys.

"Thank you so much and we love you all.

"Keep your support coming. Let's get that record deal and we promise we won't let you down."

The audience included pupils from the lads' old school, Acklam Grange.

Carl said: "It's great to be back. We love Middlesbrough.

"I feel absolutely elated to be in the final."

Dad Trevor, 53, from Coulby Newham, said: "I thought it was brilliant, just two guys and an acoustic guitar in a massive place like this. It was a lovely way to thank the fans."

Andy's wife Michelle, 28, from Coulby Newham, said: "It was great to see them performing back in Middlesbrough.

It was also good to know everybody in the audience was shouting for them because on the show it's different, everybody cheers for different acts."

* Don't miss our great Journey South souvenir special later this week. We want to include your messages of support. Text XFACTOR followed by your message to 07736 10 10 10. And if you took any mobile phone pictures we want to include them too, so end them in MMS format 07921 688 482, keyword PARTY

Page 2: Cowell makes a family visit

Cowell makes a family visit>

Pop guru Simon Cowell spoke exclusively to the Gazette to reveal details of his first trip to Middlesbrough.

The millionaire came to Teesside yesterday to introduce Journey South live on stage at the Town Hall.

During his tour he paid a surprise visit to the lads' favourite pub in Coulby Newham - and even tried a parmo.

He also stopped off to meet Carl and Andy's parents, Genda and Trevor, both 53, from Coulby Newham.

Simon said: "This is my first time in Middlesbrough and I've had a great welcome.

"I have met the family and they are all fantastic. I couldn't shut Trevor up!

"I told him if Louis Walsh leaves the show, he can take over his job.

"Middlesbrough has produced a nice couple of guys and people here should be proud. Thank you for your support and keep voting."

Both Andy and Carl drink at the Lingfield Farm and Simon surprised regulars by striding in to use the toilet yesterday afternoon.

He said: "I was dying for the toilet. We were having to circle in the car because we were waiting for the film crew to get to their parents' house.

"I said 'Where can we stop?' and they said there was a pub and it was their local so I thought 'fantastic'."

Simon revealed he would also be listening to songs that have been written by Carl and Andy this week.

He said: "I haven't heard their material but funnily enough they gave me a CD this week.

"It's tempting fate a little bit though to listen to original songs just before the final.

"I want to get Saturday out of the way first. I will be listening to it at the weekend."

Simon also said he believes Andy and Carl can beat X Factor favourite, Shayne Ward, in the showdown finale.

He said: "Whatever the bookies may say, it's open."

Page 3: Fans show how much gig means

Fans show how much gig means>

Karl Henry, 15, from Middlesbrough, said: "I thought they were mint.

"I saw them all pull up in a Mercedes outside. I got a hand shake from Simon Cowell and he gave me a quick smile.

"I thought their best song on the night was their own song, Amazing, because it was a change."

Susan Ord, 42, from Redcar, said: "I didn't think they had the X Factor until I saw them tonight.

"I had fancied Shayne to win the show but I've changed my mind. I think there is something about them now."

Graeme Patton, 30, from Redcar, said: "You can tell they are proud to be Middlesbrough lads."

Rita Patton, 62, from Redcar, said: "They are really giving their all to it and sing from their hearts."

Angela Summerfield, 34, from Redcar, said: "We won the tickets through the Gazette and we thought they were fantastic.